First Emergency Patient

Sue

I was the first emergency patient back in January, 1954. My sister had just had a birthday party when my accident happened. My mother had purchased party favors at Frederick & Nelson. Back in the "olden days" there was not the safe plastic mouth piece you find today on most noisemakers and I inhaled a very sharp piece of metal down my throat. I started having difficulty breathing and turning blue. Fortunately we lived near the new Children's Hospital in the Laurelhurst area of Seattle.

Even though I was only four years old I remember how quiet and shiny the new hospital was as soon as we entered. In fact it seemed empty. I want to say the Doctor's name was Goss but not sure. I was successfully operated on and the metal piece was removed from my esophagus.

What I truly remember is waking up the next day waiting to go home and someone wheeling in a clothing rack of new dresses and I could pick any dress I wanted. I picked a beautiful plaid dress with puffy sleeves and smocking. After putting it on I couldn't wait to show it off. Unfortunately I (what is the polite word) regurgitated on the dress, it was taken off and I never saw it again. So I went home in my old PJ's from home.

I look back and think how generous the hospital was to offer the dress. And I'm pleased to say that Frederick & Nelson paid for the hospital bills.

Although I had a life threatening medical problem, it is nothing compared to what many children go through at Children's today. Back in 1954 they saved my life and I will always be truly grateful.